Sex Addiction

Sex Addiction

Looking to learn more about sex addiction treatment options? Contact us or continue reading to see how Transcend Recovery Community's therapies can help with your sex addiction.

Not about sex

Sex addiction is about power, control, and acting out of emotional wounding — and it responds to specialized care.

The Reality

No one is beyond help.

Sex addiction is one of the mental disorders that only those who have dealt with it can truly relate to, in terms of the trauma and stigma attached. Contrary to what most believe, sex addiction isn’t about sex alone, but rather about power and control and acting out of emotional wounding.

The issue demands a level of expertise that addicts can’t find very often. We at Transcend would like you to know that sex addiction treatment and therapy is more than just a dream, and we believe that no one is beyond help. If you’re seeking help with sex addiction issues, please contact Transcend Recovery Community and see how we can assist you.

Programs That Help

Care across every stage of sex-addiction recovery.

From the first conversation to long-term stability, Transcend offers a continuum of care designed around you.

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Outpatient Treatments

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Individualized Intensive Program

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Sober Companions

Understanding Sex Addiction

What sex-addiction recovery really looks like.

From defining the disorder to recognizing the signs, here's a fuller picture of how Transcend approaches sex-addiction care.

What Is Process Addiction?

A compulsion that goes far beyond a high libido.

Sex addiction is a mental health condition and addictive behavior involving sexual compulsion. It’s one of the behavioral addictions that shows increased sexual activity with sex partners than usual. Just like other addictions, this hypersexual disorder may have negative consequences such as emotional pain for family members, strained personal relationships, and lower quality of daily life.

While having a high libido, multiple sexual partners, and varied sexual experiences does not necessarily equate to sex addiction, individuals suffering from sex addiction tend to have a hard time managing their behavior — leading to abnormal sexual acts, such as excessive masturbation and obscene sexual gratification.

It may even be amplified if they have a co-occurring disorder, such as substance abuse/drug abuse and other mental health issues. To fully ascertain their condition, individuals usually seek treatment by finding mental health professionals specializing in trauma therapy or one-on-one therapy and undergo careful, thorough examination to avoid an erroneous or controversial diagnosis.

Some individuals begin recovery by attending support groups like Sex Addicts Anonymous (similar to Alcoholics Anonymous) or seeking recovery resources certified by the American Psychiatric Association. There is still much to be known in addiction research, as treatment teams continue to uncover the manual of mental disorders in fully understanding sex addiction at its core.

Does Transcend Offer Sex Addiction Treatment?

A holistic, expert-led program.

Transcend believes in the holistic approach when treating sexual addiction, and understands the difficulties that sex addiction creates for mental health. Thanks to the partnership with our sister company, The Heights Treatment, we offer comprehensive treatment for sexual addictions.

As part of our sex addiction treatment programs, clients have access to a licensed sex addiction therapist trained by Dr. Patrick Carnes. Dr. Carnes is considered a pioneer of sex addiction and founded the International Institute for Trauma and Addiction Professionals (IITAP). Dr. Carnes also developed the Task Model, which aids clients through an effective sex addiction therapy process. Our program takes advantage of this proven model, so our clients receive the benefit of the best rehabilitation approaches available.

How Is Sexual Addiction Diagnosed?

When sexual preoccupation takes over daily life.

Sex addiction is often diagnosed by many elements that manifest as distinct and quite impossible-to-control behaviors. These tendencies often bar an individual from fully functioning at work, school, or in personal life. A strong indication is when sexual preoccupation and activities become the focal point in their life. Co-occurring disorders may often appear and may need a further dual diagnosis for these suffering individuals.

Once identified, individuals suffering from sex addiction may need to undergo treatment programs and therapy, such as eye movement desensitization and other behavioral therapies, to help them work through their current affliction.

Health Risks & Concerns

Biological, psychological, and social roots.

While individual experiences certainly influence the development of sexual addiction, there are several areas believed to heavily influence the manifestation of these compulsive behaviors. One concept used to explain possible causes of addiction is the Biopsychosocial model, meaning there are biological, psychological, and social factors at play.

Mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, and poor impulse control are commonly found in sex addicts. Individuals who have experienced sexual trauma or emotional abuse are also more at risk of developing abnormal views on sex.

Sometimes, compulsive sexual behavior or sexual urges can be made worse with drug addiction or co-occurring disorders, like bipolar disorder, alcohol addiction, and other forms of behavioral addiction.

Signs and Symptoms of Sex Addiction

Common patterns to watch for.

As with any process addiction, there are some common signs and symptoms found in sex addiction. If you can identify any of the below indicators, it may be time to discuss your situation with us:

  • You tend to have obsessive sexual thoughts that lead to sexual compulsions or sexual impulses.
  • Whenever you encounter problems in life, such as depression or stress, you cope by engaging in compulsive sexual behaviors.
  • The intense and recurring sexual fantasies and urges with multiple partners that you have are spilling into other areas of your life. You spend more time than you’d like engaging in these behaviors, and much of your time is allocated to them.
  • Regardless of severe consequences (job loss, STDs, legal issues, etc.), you still cannot stop the behavior.
Treatments for Sex Addicts

Identifying the cycle, then breaking it.

Transcend’s inclusive sex addiction program uses various practices to mitigate the overwhelming addiction at hand. Healing begins by identifying the cycle of destructive behavior and the underlying issues of a sex addict. As these behavioral problems are often unconstructive coping mechanisms, we guide clients to better understand the thought processes behind these behaviors. With this information, we utilize proven therapy methods to help our clients toward their goals.

Our most effective and typically used treatment methods consist of:

  • Group Therapy
  • Dialectical Behavior Therapy
  • Interpersonal Therapy
  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

Transcend is grounded in the principles of community and support as fundamental parts of a person’s addiction recovery. We aim to reinforce this philosophy throughout the treatment process. As we assist our clients in dealing with internal struggles, we welcome additional encouragement and support from family and friends.

Where We Are

Is There Sex Addiction Treatment Near Me?

While one may feel hopeless living with sex addiction, help is readily available for those seeking it. Transcend offers comprehensive sex addiction therapy at our centers in Houston and Los Angeles. Our top-tier program is designed to support you in leading the healthy life that you deserve.

Los Angeles Sex Addiction

Come join us at one of our beautiful Los Angeles sober living homes. There is a vibrant recovery community at Transcend waiting to support you.

Houston Sex Addiction

Imagine making new friends and living with purpose in the exciting, beautiful, and peaceful Houston Heights neighborhood in Texas.

Success Stories

Voices from the Transcend community.

Transcend is as good as it gets. It's a top notch organization from top to bottom where addicts and alcoholics get the highest quality treatment and care available.

Mike M.

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My favorite part about Transcend is the amazingly supportive community! It's filled with recovery, fun and freedom!

Katie B.

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Transcend community has a great staff that goes out of their way to help the clients that come through here…

Tyler R.

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We Can Help — 24/7

Call the recovery specialists at Transcend.

Call us today at 800-208-1211 or use our contact form and see how joining the Transcend community can change your life.

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11150 W. Olympic Blvd. Suite 760-A Los Angeles, CA 90064

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